D'oh! E-mails that embarrass

by Bill Detwiler  |  October 9, 2006, 4:10am PDT  |  Image 1 of 13

When the history of embarrassing instant-message conversations is finally written, former Rep. Mark Foley deserves his own chapter.

The Republican politician from Florida spent a good portion of his career selling himself as a leading defender of children on the Internet. In reality, if IM transcripts posted by ABC News are accurate, Foley's favorite use of the Internet was to engage in lurid conversations about masturbation. Here's an excerpt that's almost safe for a family publication:

Maf54 (8:03:47 PM): what you wearing
Xxxxxxxxx (8:04:04 PM): normal clothes
Xxxxxxxxx (8:04:09 PM): tshirt and shorts
Maf54 (8:04:17 PM): um so a big buldge
Xxxxxxxxx (8:04:35 PM): ya
Maf54 (8:04:45 PM): um
Maf54 (8:04:58 PM): love to slip them off of you

Image 1 of 13

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About Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Head Technology Editor of TechRepublic. Previously, he worked as a Support Tech and IT Manager in the social research and energy industries.

Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is Head Technology Editor for TechRepublic. Previously he worked as a Technical Support Associate and Information Technology Manager in the social research and energy industries. Bill is a Microsoft Certified Professional with experience in Windows administration, data management, desktop support, and system security.

Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler has nothing to disclose. He doesn't hold investments in the technology companies he covers.